Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in New York

The Aquatic Organism Passage Grant, managed by the Lake Champlain Basin Program, aims to restore aquatic organism passage and enhance stream connectivity in the Lake Champlain Basin. With approximately $2.5 million available, the program invites proposals that support the Healthy Ecosystem goals outlined in the Opportunities for Action plan. Projects can include activities like culvert replacements and dam removals, with a focus on improving habitat and ecosystem functions for aquatic life. Applications are due by either September 8 or October 8, 2025.

The Title I School Improvement Grant 1003 (Basic) (NY) provides essential funding to local education agencies (LEAs) for the development and monitoring of improvement plans. This grant supports schools identified for additional assistance through accountability measures. Funds are allocated to enhance strategies outlined in the District Comprehensive Improvement Plan and School Comprehensive Educational Plans, promoting educational excellence and equitable opportunities for all students.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.

NewYork-Presbyterian

NewYork-Presbyterian is one of the nation’s most comprehensive, integrated academic healthcare systems, dedicated to providing the highest quality, most compassionate care and service to patients in the New York metropolitan area, nationally, and around the world. In collaboration with two renowned medical schools, Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian is consistently recognized as a leader in innovative, patient-centered clinical care, research and medical education.

Summer Youth Enrichment Grant

NewYork-Presbyterian is dedicated to partnering with community-based organizations (CBOs) that provide impactful summer programs for youth and adolescents. Through the Summer Youth Enrichment Grant (SYEG), we invest in young people when opportunities for enrichment, a sense of belonging, and access to safe spaces are essential for their growth and well-being.

Grant Overview

SYEG provides grants of up to $50,000 to support summer initiatives that provide engaging, developmentally appropriate, and relevant programming to children and adolescents. The grant supports a wide range of program types, including but not limited to:

• Arts and Creative Expression
• Leadership and Civic Engagement
• Physical Fitness
• Academic Development
• Career and Job Readiness

Special consideration will be given to organizations whose programs primarily serve youth in the following communities: Corona, Crown Heights, Lower East Side, Mount Vernon, Peekskill, Washington Heights & Inwood, White Plains, University Heights.

This grant supports both new and existing programs that will take place during the summer months.

The Clean Vessel Assistance Program (CVAP) offers grants to marinas, municipalities, and nonprofits for the installation and renovation of pumpout stations to manage recreational boaters' septic waste. Funded by the Sport Fish Restoration fund and administered by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, these grants can cover up to 75% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $60,000 for pumpout boats and $35,000 for stationary units, ensuring better environmental practices in marine areas.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

The Santander Bank Charitable Giving Program is committed to enriching communities through $100 million in charitable giving. It focuses on community development, emphasizing affordable housing, small business support, and financial education. Eligible applicants must be recognized as public charities by the IRS and demonstrate the capacity to serve community needs. The program aims to foster partnerships to uplift low- and moderate-income communities across its operational footprint, ensuring a lasting impact through philanthropic efforts.

Solutions to End Homelessness Program (STEHP)

The New York State (NYS) Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) announces a funding opportunity for units of local government, local social services districts, tribal organizations and nonprofit corporations under the Solutions to End Homelessness Program (STEHP) funded through the Emergency Solutions Grants program (ESG) available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and NYS homeless assistance funds. STEHP funding is intended to enhance and support the quality and quantity of facilities and services needed to address the needs of homeless individuals and families, and those households at risk of homelessness in NYS.

Contracts awarded under STEHP include federal funds from ESG which has a Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number 14.231. Regulations regarding ESG are pursuant to the Stewart B. McKinney Act as amended by the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act (HEARTH). STEHP contractors are required to be in full compliance with any and all federal regulations. OTDA will notify contractors of any changes promulgated by HUD. OTDA is anticipating approximately $16 million in STEHP funds to be available for eligible providers in NYS for the first year of operation under this RFP. OTDA will make available statewide STEHP funds subject to appropriations from HUD and the NYS budget.

The Inserra Scholarships, provided by the UNICO Foundation, aim to support students of Italian descent pursuing higher education. Two scholarships of $2,500 each are awarded annually to eligible candidates who are U.S. citizens attending accredited colleges or universities full-time. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to empowering the Italian American community through education.

The SUNY Innovative Instruction Technology Grants (IITG) program, integrated with OER Impact Grants as of 2024, fosters innovation in teaching and learning within the State University of New York (SUNY) system. By funding projects that enhance the use of Open Educational Resources (OER) and explore AI applications in education, the initiative aims to improve accessibility, affordability, and student success. It promotes collaboration among faculty and institutions to build effective educational practices and sustainable partnerships.

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Geophysical Society of Pittsburgh Scholarship

The Geophysical Society of Pittsburgh Scholarship Fund was established in 2013 by the Geophysical Society of Pittsburgh.

Scholarship Details

• Available to Adult Students
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative Grant supports crucial conservation efforts for shorebirds during their migration along the Atlantic Flyway. This initiative addresses threats such as human disturbance, habitat loss, and hunting in critical areas from the U.S. Atlantic coast to the Caribbean and South America. By promoting coordinated research and management, the initiative aims to ensure the survival of species like the American oystercatcher and red knot, fostering healthy migratory pathways.

New York City Film Production Grant

This grant supports eligible New York City-based early career film directors whose work takes creative risks in expanding, questioning, experimenting with, or re-imagining filmmaking with production grants of up to $30,000.

The Foundation seeks to fund filmmakers who take creative risks, seek innovative approaches, have a clarity of purpose and vision for imaginative storytelling, are engaged directly with those involved in their filmmaking, and work to build relationships with and impact their creative community and the field.

The Northeast SARE Partnership Grant Program supports innovative projects that enhance sustainable agriculture practices through collaboration between agricultural service providers and farmers. With funding up to $30,000, the program encourages research and education initiatives that address sustainability challenges in Northeast farming systems. It aims to foster partnerships that lead to better agricultural practices and community well-being, focusing on involving farmers directly in project development.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Acacio “Roger” Rodrigues Memorial Scholarship

Established by the Rodrigues family, in memory of Acacio “Roger” Rodrigues, scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors or current undergraduate who reside in Dutchess, Putnam or Westchester County, New York or Fairfield County, Connecticut and who plan to study in a field which will lead to a career in the building/construction industry. These fields include but are not limited to engineering, construction management, electrical construction technology, plumbing and heating, welding and fabrication, etc. The scholarships will be awarded to individuals who are or will be full time students at any accredited vocational school, college or university in the United States.

Renewable for up to three additional years and payable to the school.

Current High School

Any high school in Dutchess, Putnam or Westchester County, New York or Fairfield County, Connecticut

The CTBF: Eager to Learn Grant Program provides essential support for college test preparation and promotes access to trade schools. Aimed at empowering students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, the program funds organizations that enhance SAT and ACT scores and offer mentorship. Grants, capped at $25,000, focus on equitable opportunities in education, ensuring all students can pursue their optimal paths, whether through college or vocational training.

The Rural Business Development Grants in New York aim to support small rural businesses by providing technical assistance and training. With no maximum grant amount, priority is given to smaller requests. Funded projects can include training, land acquisition, and community development, among others. Eligible areas include rural regions outside urban centers with populations of 50,000 or more. This initiative, funded by USDA Rural Development, fosters economic growth and sustainability in underserved communities.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in New York provides vital funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas, which include health care, public safety, and educational services. Eligible areas are defined as rural communities with populations of up to 20,000 residents. The program aims to enhance local infrastructure and support community development, helping to improve quality of life for residents while ensuring that funding is accessible based on local median household income levels.

The Hortense and Louis Rubin Community Health Fund, established in 2018, has invested over $2.9 million in health initiatives to enhance kidney health in the Greater Capital Region. This fund, managed by the Community Foundation, focuses on improving public health outcomes by supporting projects that promote healthy lifestyles, health equity, and access to preventive services, especially for vulnerable communities affected by chronic kidney disease.

The New York State Global NY Fund will be administered by the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development ("ESD"). It will offer assistance to companies and nonprofit organizations to increase the export of New York’s products and services to foreign markets. Grants for export assistance help New York State’s private sector to identify and develop export markets and increase their sales, thereby creating and retaining jobs. The fund will also support economic development organizations (EDO’s) with expenses related to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) attraction activities. FDI projects are activities intended to assist in the attraction of investors located outside of the United States into New York State.

The Michael Darcy Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports non-traditional age students who are New York State employees and members of the Public Employees Federation (PEF) Region 8, at Grade 18 or less. Since 1968, the foundation has been dedicated to enhancing community life through meaningful giving opportunities, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

The Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship Fund, established by the Syracuse Alumni chapter in 1973, aims to support men of color pursuing education. This fund honors the legacy of its founders and provides up to two scholarships annually, ensuring access to educational opportunities that can transform lives. The scholarship reflects the commitment of the Central New York Community Foundation to promote equity and shared prosperity in the region, helping students achieve their academic and professional goals.

The James and Linda Ward Memorial Scholarship Fund honors a dedicated physics teacher, Jim Ward, who inspired many students at Henninger High School. Established by his family, this scholarship aims to support students graduating from Henninger or Nottingham High School who have completed a physics course and plan to attend college. By providing financial assistance, it contributes to educational equity and empowers students to pursue their academic dreams.

The UrbanGlass IGNITE Scholarship offers aspiring glass artists the opportunity to explore their creative potential through a fully funded class. This program is designed for individuals with little to no glass experience, aiming to foster artistic growth and innovation. UrbanGlass, a 501(c)3 organization, is dedicated to advancing the appreciation of glass as a medium. This scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens but also serves as a gateway for emerging artists to develop their skills.